Big Assist VI a rousing success again

Published 9:12 pm, Wednesday, July 23, 2014

At left, New York Ranger, Martin St. Louis (#26), a Greenwich resident, with Obie Harrington-Howes, at center, and Darien's Ryan Shannon of the Zurich Lions of the Swiss National League, during the ceremonial puck-drop at the start of NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed.

At left, New York Ranger, Martin St. Louis (#26), a Greenwich resident, with Obie Harrington-Howes, at center, and Darien's Ryan Shannon of the Zurich Lions of the Swiss National League, during the ceremonial

Darien's Ryan Shannon during the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed.

Greenwich native, Cam Atkinson (#13) of the Columbus Blue Jackets, leads a break during the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

Greenwich native, Cam Atkinson (#13) of the Columbus Blue Jackets, leads a break during the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in ... more

At right, White team player, Jordan Samuel-Thomas of Quinnipiac, attempts a backhand shot against Blue goalie, Eric Mihalik of Colgate, during the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

At right, White team player, Jordan Samuel-Thomas of Quinnipiac, attempts a backhand shot against Blue goalie, Eric Mihalik of Colgate, during the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie ... more

New York Rangers fan, Evan O'Connell, of Stamford, cheers during the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

New York Rangers fan, Evan O'Connell, of Stamford, cheers during the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday ... more

Louie Giannattasio, 6, of Darien watches the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars, Matt Moulson of the Buffalo Sabres, left, and Martin St. Louis of the New York Rangers, during the Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars, Matt Moulson of the Buffalo Sabres, left, and Martin St. Louis of the New York Rangers, during the Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink ... more

With help from her uncle, Jim Ruffalo of New Jersey, left, Emma Shannon, 3, is lifted over the board as she looks for her father, Darien native, Ryan Shannon, a hockey player who was the host for the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

With help from her uncle, Jim Ruffalo of New Jersey, left, Emma Shannon, 3, is lifted over the board as she looks for her father, Darien native, Ryan Shannon, a hockey player who was the host for the NHL ... more

A fan watches the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

A fan watches the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes ... more

At top, White team player Jamie Sifers (#26) of Springfield Falcons Hockey team, attacks the net while being defended by Blue team player and Greenwich native, Cam Atkinson (#13) of the Columbus Blue Jackets, during the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

At top, White team player Jamie Sifers (#26) of Springfield Falcons Hockey team, attacks the net while being defended by Blue team player and Greenwich native, Cam Atkinson (#13) of the Columbus Blue Jackets, ... more

At left, Colton Orr of the Toronto Maple Leafs signs his autograph prior to the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

At left, Colton Orr of the Toronto Maple Leafs signs his autograph prior to the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., ... more

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

At right, New York Ranger, Martin St. Louis, a Greenwich resident, signs a stick prior to the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

At right, New York Ranger, Martin St. Louis, a Greenwich resident, signs a stick prior to the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in ... more

At right, New York Ranger star Martin St. Louis of Greenwich (#26) in action during the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

At right, New York Ranger star Martin St. Louis of Greenwich (#26) in action during the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in ... more

Stamford native Ryan Haggerty, left, during the National Anthem prior to the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

Stamford native Ryan Haggerty, left, during the National Anthem prior to the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., ... more

Darien's Ryan Shannon during the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation's stated mission is "dedicated to maintaining and improving quality of life by providing financial aid to individuals with spinal cord injuries," and was originally established by members of the Darien community in response to Obie's spinal-cord injury in a swimming accident on July 4, 1997, which left him paralyzed. less

Darien's Ryan Shannon during the NHL superstars Big Assist exhibtion game to benefit the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., Wednesday night, July 23, 2014. The Obie ... more

The Big Assist VI charity ice hockey game took place Wednesday night at Terry Conners ice rink in Stamford and it was a winning event on every level.

The capacity crowd on hand was thrilled by the large group of NHL, AHL, overseas and college players who put on a great exhibition while donating their time.

The kids were happy to see the Geico Gecko, who skates pretty well, and to collect autographs from the very patient players.

Newly-married Darien High School boys ice hockey coach Chris Gerwig had a fine time directing Team Blue -- which had almost as much talent as his state finalist Blue Wave squad this past winter. Gerwig adjusted to not having a 4th forward line to wheel out.

The OHHF Foundation has distributed over $3 million in grants to individuals with spinal cord injuries. A large contingent of people helped by the OHHF Foundation were on hand for Big Assist VI.

"The most requested item are vans. We do our best to help," said Obie Harrington-Howes, who was Ryan Shannon's youth hockey coach in Darien and a spinal cord injury victim. "We help keep existing vans functioning and on the road. We help with wheelchairs (motorized in most cases) and special beds. Because spinal cord injury victims can get bed sores, they need specialized, custom beds.

"We help people with house renovations to get people home from the hospital. We arrange with the contractor. We don't just drop off a check," Harrington-Howes continued. "Our grants are transformative in nature. We help with college tuitions."

The OHHF Foundation doesn't just make an impact with money.

"We have a committee of eight people who have either a medical or social work background," Harrington-Howes said. "It's like when a new mother comes home with her first baby. There's no instruction book on what to do. For spinal cord injury victims, education is key. Our people can connect them with other organizations. Our people know the ins and outs of the state's Title 19 program. We understand insurance company limits. We are a backstop and a conduit."

Most of all, Harrington-Howes is thankful to Ryan Shannon, Pat Shannon and all the hockey players who make The Big Assist a must attend event each summer.

"Hockey players are so approachable. They are the nicest, most hard-working athletes I've come across," Harrington-Howes said. "I'm always amazed by their generosity. The success of The Big Assist speaks to the stature of Ryan Shannon and Pat Shannon among their hockey peers, that guys come back year after year."

The Big Assist also features a silent auction. Among the items up for bid were a New York Rangers jersey signed by Mark Messier, a Detroit Red Wings jersey signed by goalie Jimmy Howard, a Rangers goalie stick signed by the 1989-90 squad including Brian Leetch as well as banners from the 2014 NHL Draft, Stanley Cup, Winter Classic and All-Star Game.